Overview
For more information contact:
Terry Hendricks, Project Manager
(520) 724-4600
The floodprone areas as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) in Altar and Avra valleys are outdated and may not reflect current flood risks and hazards. The majority of the existing maps are based off of a flood event that occurred in September 1962 (Click here to see a flood map from that study). The Brawley and Black Wash Risk Analysis and Mapping is a Cooperative Technical Partnership (CTP) project with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reanalyze the hydrology, flood risks and flood hazards.
Program Goals/Predicted Outcomes
The Pima County Regional Flood Control District (District) has obtained a grant from FEMA to produce Flood Risk Maps and Floodplain Work Maps. FEMA will take that data and revise the FIRMs to reflect the current flood hazards. Ultimately this project with result in map revisions to FIRM panels 04019C-1005L, -1010L, -1015L, -1020L, -1040L, -1605L, -1610L, -1615L, -1620L, -1650L, -2225L, -2240L, -2245L, -2250L, -2805L, and -2810L.
Public Benefit
Flood Risk products provide the public with additional flood hazard information on multiple flood frequency events; FIRMs show the FEMA regulatory floodprone areas. The regulatory flood event has an annual recurrence probability of 1%, or 1 out of 100; this is often referred to as a 100-year event. Regulatory maps are used to establish additional building requirements to reduce future flood damages. This information is also used in the design of public infrastructure to make such structures are more flood resilient.
Metrics Available to Measure Performance
The Brawley and Black Wash Risk Analysis and Mapping project is part of a FEMA grant for three separate floodplain mapping activities. The grant specifications are contained in a Mapping Activity Statement (MAS), which requires quarterly reporting. Consultants are to provide monthly status reports and assist the District in all reporting as mandated by the grant. The District has also retained the services of an outside review consulting firm that is familiar with the FEMA regulations and processing.